Which skin type do I have?

Your skin is very individual and it is always important to identify your specific skin type and any major concerns you may want to address first, before building up a skincare routine.

‘One size does not fit all’

Clever advertising and promotions from well known brands, celebrities and influencers will always entice you to purchase their products, but what works for them may not necessarily be suitable for your skin type.  In fact, using the wrong products can often cause more harm than good and hence it is vital to start in the correct manner especially as your skin can change with the season. Before embarking on a skincare routine, ask yourself :-

‘What is my skincare type?’

‘How does my skin act and feel without any products or make up on?’

You may never have taken the time to really assess your skin in this way.  There can be a considerable amount of confusing and conflicting information available on social media and on the internet, but this easy guide will highlight the signs and symptoms of each skin type allowing you to recognise yours and in turn be able to choose the correct products for your skincare routine or seek advice from an Skincare Practitioner in Northwood or Rickmansworth.

Oily Skin

This is a result of overactive sebaceous (oil) glands.  This can be due to your genes, or often as a result of using incorrect products for your skin type.  If too much moisture is ‘stripped away’ from your skin, more oil is produced to compensate for this.  Those with oily skin will experience an increased shine, blackheads and enlarged pores that will often lead to acne breakouts.

Dry Skin

This is characterised by the skin feeling tight, looking dull, lacking elasticity, feeling rough and itchy with patches of flakiness.  These symptoms can be triggered when there is damage to the skin’s surface and moisture is able to escape, often allowing irritants in.

Combination Skin

This is the term used when the skin is both oily and dry at the same time, making a specific diagnosis confusing.  The T-zone will usually highlight the oily skin; the excess oil, shine and clogged pores and dry patches (with redness and flakiness) can often be visible on the cheeks, jaw or hairline.

Acne-Prone Skin

Genetics, diet, hormones and P.acne bacteria can all play a role in causing Acne which presents as oily skin, whiteheads, blackheads and swollen red blemishes and pustules that take a while to heal but can often pop up again in the same areas.

Acne-Scarred Skin

Once blemishes disappear, you are often left with PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation), which present as scars, red or brown marks on the skin.  This pigmentation is due to the inflammatory response (from the breakout) damaging the collagen in the skin.

Sensitive Skin

This is not necessarily a ‘skin type’ as everyone can experience a level of sensitivity at some stage. Those with skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea are often more susceptible to sensitive skin and extra care must be taken to avoid any products or treatments exacerbating these conditions. Extra attention must also be paid to your skincare routine if you feel your skin is specifically reactive, becomes irritated easily due to certain products or results in an allergic reaction.

Mature Skin

Our bodies produce less collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep the skin plump and firm) from our early to mid-twenties and hence our skin starts the ageing process.  The skin will start to lose laxity and tone and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles will begin.  The skin will also become drier over time due to the moisture levels being affected.

Why choose Avenir Clinics for your skincare consultation?

Following this simple guide, you will be able to identify your current skin type.  However, it can be overwhelming recognising which products or treatments will suit your own needs or if you are addressing a specific skincare concern or condition such as melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne or anti-ageing. It is highly recommended seeking a comprehensive consultation at Avenir Clinics in Northwood or Rickmansworth that will tailor a bespoke skincare routine or treatment plan for you, as well as offer you the guidance and support throughout your skincare journey.

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